Additional ToolsThe National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is the worldwide resource and advocate across all facets of funeral service dedicated to high ethical standards and helping members provide meaningful service to families.http://nfda.org/additional-tools.html
Tue, 31 Mar 2015 20:48:36 +0000Joomla! 1.5 - Open Source Content Managementen-gb10 Commandments of a Media Interviewhttp://nfda.org/additional-tools/337-10-commandments-of-a-media-interview.html
http://nfda.org/additional-tools/337-10-commandments-of-a-media-interview.html

Don't mistake the reporter for the audience.

Nothing is "off the record."

Avoid jargon.

Don't speculate or exaggerate.

Don't repeat negative questions or phrases.

Avoid saying "no comment."

Understand the question before answering.

Don't argue with the reporter; stay calm.

Speak only for your organization or firm.

MAINTAIN CONTROL AND STICK TO YOUR AGENDA.

]]>bFXZ_webmaster@nfda.org (Administrator)Community RelationsTue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +000010 Rules of Thumbhttp://nfda.org/additional-tools/336-10-rules-of-thumb.html
http://nfda.org/additional-tools/336-10-rules-of-thumb.htmlKeep these 10 Rules of Thumb handy any time you have an interview with a reporter.

Be prepared. If you don't have the information to answer the question, say so.

Be pleasant. Don't get angry or let the reporter get under your skin. SMILE...it shows even over the telephone.

Never say "No Comment." You can say that you don't have that information right now. You also can say that you need to check on something before you can make a statement.

Don't speculate or exaggerate on important matters.

You are never "off the record." If you don't want it quoted, don't say it.

For television, your personality is as important as what you say. SMILE, be pleasant and patient. Show that you are a caregiver.

Don't repeat a negative question. Begin with a positive. For example, don't say, "No", funeral directors do not take advantage of grieving families. Say, instead, "Funeral directors are there to provide support to individuals during a very difficult time."

Remember that you may need to teach the reporter. Does the reporter clearly understand funeral service?

Make positive statements that are quotable—relatively short and complete thoughts that can stand alone in a story or broadcast.

Most important, stay in control. You have the choice of what to say and how to say it. Don't let the reporter put words in your mouth. Keep coming back to your message.